Patents by Inventor J. Porter

J. Porter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180160273
    Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a garage door opener having a motor for moving a garage door and a controller coupled to a wireless communication interface, a user communication interface including a microphone, and a garage door opener accessory. The controller controls the garage door opener motor to move the garage door, detects a command from a user via the microphone, and generates a responsive control action to control the garage door opener accessory. The user interface may include a speaker that produces an audible response to the user. The accessory may include an object tracker that alerts a user with an audible or illuminating alert. Other accessories may include a video camera, a radio, a music player, a battery charger, an energy storage system, a garage door lock, a hinged lid, an entry door, and a window lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Huggins, J. Porter Whitmire, Michael Preus, Scott Kippes
  • Patent number: 9978265
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system includes an accessory device including a first electronic processor, a first memory, and a load, and includes a garage door opener including an accessory port, a second memory, and a second electronic processor. The accessory port is configured to be removably coupled to the accessory device. The second electronic processor receives new status data from the accessory device indicating a change in a status of the accessory device to a new status, sends the new status data to a remote server to update an accessory data set, receives new settings data from the remote server indicating a requested change in a setting of the accessory device, and sends the new settings data to the accessory device to update the setting of the accessory device. The first electronic processor controls the load of the accessory device based on the new settings data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: William McNabb, Mark Huggins, J. Porter Whitmire
  • Publication number: 20180136197
    Abstract: The present disclosure as disclosed in various embodiments is related to a bioassay for rapid screening and detection of bioactive ligands and screening for potential pharmaceuticals. In various embodiments are disclosed cell-free methods, systems, and kits for detecting bioactive ligands such as endocrine disrupting chemicals or nuclear hormone receptor modulators in a biological or environmental sample or for screening compounds for potential pharmaceutical application such as potential nuclear hormone receptor modulator pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley C. Bundy, Mark T. Smith, David W. Wood, J. Porter Hunt, Miriam J. Shakalli Tang
  • Publication number: 20180030271
    Abstract: Compositions of polyamide resins containing a low level of polyamide 66 comonomer are provided, which are useful in producing blown films. A method of forming a blown film includes: extruding a polyamide copolymer to form a polyamide film. The polyamide copolymer is formed from a mixture of caprolactam and hexamethylenediamine adipate where the caprolactam comprises from 85 mol. % to 99 mol. % of the total moles of caprolactam and hexamethylenediamine adipate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kuil Park, Simon J. Porter, Stephanie C. Barthe, Haoyu Liu, Veera Nelliappan
  • Publication number: 20170295658
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
  • Publication number: 20170127795
    Abstract: A refillable dispenser system that includes a refillable dispenser and a refill cartridge. The refillable dispenser includes an applicator, and a body defining a reservoir in fluid communication with the applicator. The body includes a first end coupled with the applicator, and a second end, opposite to the first end, defining an orifice that is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The refillable dispenser further includes a closure member coupled with the body, with the closure member being operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure member cooperates with the body to substantially prevent fluid from escaping from the reservoir via the orifice. In the open position, the closure member is movable with respect to the body to allow access to the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Kiat-Cheong TOH, Barbara J. PORTER, Suzanne DE VRIES, Stijn HEIJDENRIJK, Hans VEREIJKEN, Ingolf STEINHAGEN
  • Publication number: 20170127793
    Abstract: A refillable dispenser system, method, and kit are provided. The kit includes a refillable dispenser that includes an applicator, and a body defining a first reservoir in fluid communication with the applicator. The body includes a first end coupled with the applicator, and a second end, opposite to the first end, defining an orifice that is in fluid communication with the first reservoir. The refillable dispenser also includes a closure member coupled with the body, the closure member being operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure member cooperates with the body to substantially prevent fluid from escaping from the reservoir via the orifice. In the open position, the closure member is positioned with respect to the body to allow access to the orifice. The one or more refill cartridges include an opening and define a second reservoir in communication with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kiat-Cheong TOH, Barbara J. PORTER, Suzanne DE VRIES, Stijn HEIJDENRIJK, Hans VEREIJKEN, Ingolf STEINHAGEN
  • Patent number: 9640686
    Abstract: An electro-optical device can include a plurality of nanocrystals positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Moungi Bawendi, Venda J. Porter, Marc Kastner, Tamar Mentzel
  • Publication number: 20170101850
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve member flexibly attached to a seat with resilient members that fold in response to flow above a predetermined value to shut the valve. The flexibly extending members store potential energy that is released to separate the valve member from the seat when the pressure applied against the seated valve member declines to the point that the potential energy stored in the flexible members is able to move the valve member off the seat. The valve assembly including the valve member, the seat and the flexible members can be a common material, or can be all one or more nonmetallic materials or involve composites or other easily drilled materials that are compatible with the operating conditions of pressure differential, temperature and composition of the well fluid. The check valve assembly can be pushed with pressure when closed to operate a subterranean tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Zachary S. Silva, Andre' J. Porter
  • Publication number: 20170105022
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels. A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Sahar Alipour Kashi, Boris Ivanovic, Allen J. Porter
  • Patent number: 9614230
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and articles for coupling a fuel cell layer to a second structure. The fuel cell layer includes a superior fuel cell surface, an inferior fuel cell surface, and a perimeter fuel cell surface. An adhesive structure is adhered to the superior, inferior, and perimeter fuel cell surfaces to form a coupling or seal between the fuel cell layer and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Schrooten, Ales Horky, Paul Sobejko, Robert J. Porter
  • Patent number: 9596481
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Sahar Alipour Kashi, Boris Ivanovic, Allen J. Porter
  • Patent number: 9562722
    Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a first channel, a second channel and a manifold. The first channel has a first flow profile and a manifold end with a first cross-sectional geometry. The second channel has a second flow profile and a manifold end with a second cross-sectional geometry, which may be different than the first cross-sectional geometry. A first channel port of the manifold is configured to mate with the manifold end of the first channel. A second channel port of the manifold is configured to mate with the manifold end of the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Porter, William J. Heffron
  • Publication number: 20170029196
    Abstract: Heat sealable food packaging films, methods for the production thereof, and food packages comprising heat sealable food packaging films are provided. The heat sealable food packaging film includes a humidity-dependent permeable film having a moisture vapor transmission rate that increases with an increase in relative humidity (RH). An outer coating comprises a coating material on at least one surface of the humidity-dependent permeable film. The coating material is selected from a nanoclay dispersed in a poly-vinylidene chloride (PVdC) polymer or a stretchable urethane polymer, a stretchable acrylic polymer, or a combination of stretchable urethane polymer and stretchable acrylic polymer. The coating material may further comprise an anti-blocking agent. The heat sealable food packaging film is biaxially oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yuan-Ping Robert Ting, Simon J. Porter, Ken Guhse, Jeffrey D. Moulton
  • Publication number: 20160305210
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a well treatment system that supplies a treatment fluid, a conveyance device and a well tool conveyed by the conveyance device. The well tool can include a perforator configured to form at least one hole in the wellbore tubular and a restrictor projecting from an outer surface of the well tool and adjacent to the perforator. A gap may separate the restrictor and the wellbore tubular. The well tool may also include a flow space that provides fluid communication between a location uphole of the restrictor and a location downhole of the restrictor. The flow space is sized to be restricted by particles in the treatment fluid. The restrictor at least restricts fluid flow through an annulus between the restrictor and the wellbore tubular, and the well tool diverts a substantial amount of the treatment fluid through an at least one hole formed by the perforator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan C. Flores, Luis A. Castro, SR., Andre J. Porter
  • Patent number: 9432690
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating motion estimation in video processing are provided. In one embodiment, search block is defined within one frame. A relative location of a corresponding block in another frame with respect to the search block is determined based on comparative searching at a predetermined granularity to produce a motion vector for the search block with a first precision. Correlation values are determined with respect to the search block for the corresponding block and for one block or more blocks defined at relative locations of less than the predetermined granularity with respect to the corresponding block in different directions. A refined motion vector for the search block with a second higher precision is determined based on the relative location of the block having a selected correlation value that is selected from among the determined correlation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Yubao Zheng, Boris Ivanovic, Allen J. Porter, Xingping Cao
  • Patent number: 9344671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for improving signal quality. The method includes receiving a first media signal, such as a video signal, in a first format, such as 1080p. The provided video signal is one that is created by upsampling a video signal recorded in a format having a lower sampling rate. The method also includes obtaining a second signal indicative of error within the first media signal. The second signal is in a second format, such as the format having a lower sampling rage in which the video signal was recorded. The signal is processed to place the second signal in the format of the first signal. Then, the estimated error signal is combined with the original signal to arrive at an error corrected output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Boris Ivanovic, Allen J. Porter, Yubao Zheng
  • Patent number: 9318754
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles relating to enhanced bonding of layers in a planar fuel cell. A planar fuel cell having a composite layer is bonded to an outer layer (e.g., a fuel or fluid manifold) using intrusions that extend through an electrolyte layer and into an underlying layer (e.g., a substrate component or a current-collector component).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignees: Intelligent Energy Limited, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Sobejko, Shinichiro Imura, David Lo, Goro Fujita, Takashi Yasuo, Alexey Demykin, Robert J. Porter
  • Publication number: 20150287855
    Abstract: An electro-optical device can include a plurality of nanocrystals positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Moungi Bawendi, Venda J. Porter, Marc Kastner, Tamar Mentzel
  • Patent number: D744682
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron J. Porter, Pathakone Vongmalaithong, Jessica M. Wilson